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Africa & Indian Ocean · ZA

South Africa

The FSCA licenses financial services providers, including crypto-asset service and OTC derivative providers; gambling is regulated nationally and provincially.

At a glance

Status
Sovereign state
Region
Africa & Indian Ocean
Regulated sectors
GamingCryptoInvestment
Authorities
FSCA · Prudential Authority · National Gambling Board and provincial gambling boards · FIC
Licensing routes
2

Overview

The framework

The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) licenses financial services providers under the FAIS Act. Crypto assets were declared a financial product in 2022, bringing crypto-asset service providers within FSP licensing, and over-the-counter derivative providers require a separate authorisation.

Gambling is regulated under national legislation and by provincial gambling boards. Online sports betting is licensed at provincial level; the position of online casino gaming should be confirmed against current legislation, and we do so when planning the licensing route.

Authorities

Who regulates what

Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA)
Licensing and conduct supervision of financial services providers.
Prudential Authority
Prudential supervision of banks and insurers, within the South African Reserve Bank.
National Gambling Board and provincial gambling boards
Gambling regulation and licensing.
Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC)
AML/CFT supervision and reporting.

Regimes

Licensing routes

  • FSP licence (FAIS)

    Licensing of financial services providers, including crypto-asset service providers.

    Sectors: Investment · Crypto

  • Provincial betting licences

    Bookmaker licences issued by provincial gambling boards, including for online betting.

    Sectors: Gaming

Our Regulatory & Licensing practice prepares the applications for these routes and manages them through to the regulator's decision.

Considerations

What to weigh up

  • Plan cross-border flows within the exchange control rules.
  • Check early that key individuals meet fit and proper requirements.

This overview is general information, summarised at a high level. Requirements change and depend on the specific activity; seek advice on your circumstances before acting.

Across jurisdictions

Cross-jurisdiction capabilities

Services we support across the jurisdictions in our directory, described once on their own pages. We deliver each to the requirements that apply locally, coordinating local specialists where local law, registration, representation or professional requirements require it.

South Africa: the right fit for your business?

We look at your product, target clients and banking needs to see whether this jurisdiction fits or another would serve you better, then send a written proposal with scope, timetable and fee.